About Vienna
Vienna, a city steeped in culture, renowned for its refined cuisine and adorned with exquisite architecture, stands as a testament to the legacy of renowned musicians, poets, artists, and architects. This splendid metropolis boasts a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, housing priceless art collections within world-class museums. Often hailed as the ‘City of Music’, Vienna has been home to legendary composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss. The city's vibrant art scene encompasses both classical and contemporary expressions, with exhibitions and galleries to enchant enthusiasts. Additionally, Vienna's Christmas markets are celebrated worldwide, transforming its squares and streets into festive havens during the holiday season.
Places to visit in Vienna
Vienna is a treasure trove of hidden gems and architectural marvels waiting to be explored. Check out this list of renowned places that are a must-visit on your trip to this captivating city.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: It holds the distinction of being the principal church of Vienna’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Renowned as one of the city’s most prominent landmarks, the cathedral captivates visitors with its towering stature, meticulously crafted facade, intricate mosaic-adorned roofs, and soaring 446-foot-high towers. Inside, visitors can admire the splendour of the church’s 18 altars. For a truly remarkable experience, climb approximately 343 steps to reach the top of the tower and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Hofburg: Renowned as Imperial Palace, Hofburg has a storied history as the influential seat of the Habsburg dynasty's rulers. Today, it serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria. This grand palace complex encompasses an impressive 19 courtyards, 18 wings, and a staggering 2,600 rooms, making it an awe-inspiring destination in Vienna. Beyond its regal splendour, Hofburg hosts luxurious restaurants, vibrant cafes, and verdant parks. Notably, it is home to the renowned Spanish Riding School.
- Belvedere Palace: This remarkable museum complex comprises two distinct sections - Lower Belvedere and Upper Belvedere - each housing a captivating array of artwork. Upper Belvedere boasts a permanent collection of Austrian art spanning from mediaeval times, while Lower Belvedere serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions, showcasing intriguing artefacts once used by the prince. Additionally, the museum proudly exhibits one of the world's most significant collections of paintings by Gustav Klimt. Belvedere Palace's art collection includes the work of renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Max Beckmann, Claude Monet, Egon Schiele, and Oskar Kokoschka. For enthusiasts of history and art, Belvedere Palace stands as an exceptional destination to explore in Vienna.
- Vienna State Opera House: Overcoming numerous challenges throughout its history, Vienna State Opera House has risen to prominence as one of the world's finest opera houses. Withstanding the devastation of many wartime bombings, the present stage of Vienna State Opera House hosts over 50 ballet productions and operas during its extensive 300-day season. This world-famous landmark is celebrated for its world-class performances and magnificent architecture, making it a cultural gem in Vienna.
- Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens: The name ‘Schönbrunn’ means ‘beautiful spring’, and this palace once served as the summer residence for the Habsburg rulers. With a staggering 1,441 rooms, the palace stands as a remarkable example of Baroque architecture in all its grandeur. Today, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it ranks amongst the most visited attractions in Vienna. The palace complex encompasses an array of staterooms, the intriguing Maze, the iconic Gloriette triumphal arch, the charming Privy Garden, the delightful Orangery Garden, and the engaging Children's Museum.
Vienna Airport
Vienna Airport, operating under the IATA code VIE, is the primary international airport serving Vienna. Situated in Schwechat, approximately 18 km southeast of central Vienna and 57 km west of Slovakia’s capital Bratislava, it stands as the largest airport in the country. Originally constructed as a military airfield in 1938 and utilised during World War II, this historic airport boasts four terminals and facilitates extensive connectivity between Vienna and numerous destinations across the globe.